There is something gloriously defiant about a rock band that refuses to sand down its edges. On October 23, Dorothy brought its blues-soaked riffs, unapologetic hard rock, and powerhouse vocals to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City as part of The Rise of Rock World Tour with Godsmack. Led by the unmistakable Dorothy Martin, the band delivered a seven-song set. Blending classic-rock swagger with modern hard-rock muscle, music built to hit hard, feel authentic, and leave an impression.
The set opened with “Down to the Bottom,” followed by “THE DEVIL I KNOW” and “Gun in My Hand,” establishing a dark, riff-driven atmosphere that plays perfectly to Martin's gritty, soulful voice. “I Put a Spell on You,” the Screamin' Jay Hawkins classic, offered a showcase for her dramatic vocal range, balancing menace and sensuality with the raw intensity that defines her performance style. “Rest in Peace” and “Dark Nights” kept the pressure on before “Elevate” closed the set. Across seven songs, Dorothy moved between bluesy grit, heavy guitars, and anthemic hard rock, demonstrating just how effectively the band can make a limited stage time count.
One of the biggest storylines was the return of guitarist Nick Perri, reuniting with Martin after his earlier tenure with Dorothy in 2018 and 2019. Perri isn't simply a new musician stepping into an established role; he's a familiar creative voice returning to a band he helped shape during an important chapter of its evolution. His earlier time with Dorothy coincided with the period surrounding 28 Days in the Valley, when the band expanded its sound beyond the raw blues-rock attack of its debut, ROCKISDEAD. His melodic, blues-inflected playing brings a natural fit to Martin's powerful vocals, adding another dimension to Dorothy's guitar-driven sound.
Perri also brings an impressive rock résumé. The Philadelphia-born guitarist first earned attention with Silvertide, the city's hard-rock outfit that toured alongside major acts including Van Halen, Velvet Revolver, and Mötley Crüe. He subsequently explored projects including Mount Holly and Nick Perri & the Underground Thieves, continuing to develop a style grounded in classic rock, blues, and expressive guitar work. His return follows Sam “Bam” Koltun's departure from Dorothy as Koltun moved into guitar duties with Godsmack for the 2026 tour. The change represents a full-circle moment for Dorothy, reconnecting Martin with a guitarist who understands the band's musical DNA while bringing his own experience and personality to the current lineup.
For all the firepower, Atlantic City also delivered a lighter, distinctly human moment. Martin shared a pleasant conversation with Santa Claus, who was watching from the front row. The unexpected exchange offered a charming contrast to the evening's hard-rock intensity, revealing the personable side of a frontwoman otherwise known for commanding attention with raw emotion and vocal force. It was a reminder that live music is about more than volume and virtuosity; those spontaneous connections between artist and audience can become some of the most memorable moments of a show.
The pairing with Godsmack makes sense, even if the two acts approach hard rock from different angles. Godsmack brings arena-sized force, familiar hooks, and the muscular precision of a band with decades of success behind it, while Dorothy draws more heavily on blues and classic-rock traditions. Coverage of earlier stops on The Rise of Rock World Tour has highlighted Martin's soulful delivery and Perri's passionate guitar work, reinforcing the band's ability to hold its own alongside an established headliner. With Perri back in the fold, Dorothy has a renewed connection to its past and an intriguing foundation for what comes next.
Martin remains the undeniable center of the project, her voice combining grit, soul, and conviction, while Perri's return adds a familiar spark to the band's guitar-driven attack. From the opening punch of “Down to the Bottom” to the closing lift of “Elevate,” the performance reinforced Dorothy's place in the modern hard-rock conversation. Rock doesn't survive by simply looking backward; it thrives when musicians take its blues-soaked roots, make them their own, and turn up the volume. In Atlantic City, Dorothy did exactly that.
Review and Photography by: Bob Linneman